http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6123687
In light of what we know about measles, surely poverty alleviation would be equally if not more beneficial?
I have been suspecting this is part of the thought process. I wonder just what the similarities and differences are between smallpox and measles.
I am curious if the rationalizations as to how measles can be eradicated have changed with time. I wonder if broad public health policy has changed with time to incorporate more recent understandings of the disease and how mass vaccination affects the disease and the population. I don't think so, but I could be wrong. I think we might still be in 1982 when it comes to measles and the measles vaccine.
Quote:
| The global eradication of measles is desirable because the disease occurs almost universally, affects large numbers of children, can cause serious complications, and is responsible for about 900 000 deaths a year in developing countries. |
Quote:
| The feasibility of a measles eradication programme is suggested by the success of smallpox eradication, the availability of a heat-stable, cheap, and effective vaccine, and the fact that interruption of measles transmission has been achieved in some places. |
I am curious if the rationalizations as to how measles can be eradicated have changed with time. I wonder if broad public health policy has changed with time to incorporate more recent understandings of the disease and how mass vaccination affects the disease and the population. I don't think so, but I could be wrong. I think we might still be in 1982 when it comes to measles and the measles vaccine.
